None (he retorted), unless of course we are to include among these components beauty, or strength, or wealth, or reputation, or anything else of that kind?
Euth. By heaven! of course we are to include these, for what would happiness be without these?
Soc. By heaven! yes; only then we shall be including the commonest sources of mischief which befall mankind. How many are ruined by their fair faces at the hand of admirers driven to distraction (54) by the sight of beauty in its bloom! how many, tempted by their strength to essay deeds beyond their power, are involved in no small evils! how many, rendered effeminate by reason of their wealth, have been plotted against and destroyed! (55) how many through fame and political power have suffered a world of woe!
(54) Cf. Plat. "Rep." vii. 517 D; "Phaedr." 249 D.
(55) e.g. Alcibiades.
Well (the youth replied) if I am not even right in praising happiness, I must confess I know not for what one ought to supplicate the gods in prayer. (56)
(56) See above for Socrates' own form of supplication.
Nay, these are matters (proceeded Socrates) which perhaps, through excessive confidence in your knowledge of them, you have failed to examine into; but since the state, which you are preparing yourself to direct, is democratically constituted, (57) of course you know what a democracy is.
(57) Or, "popularly governed."
Euth. I presume I do, decidedly.
Soc. Well, now, is it possible to know what a popular state is without knowing who the people are?